Do Probiotics Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects in the Body?

May 12, 2025

You've likely heard the term "inflammation" thrown around a lot lately. But what exactly does it mean? Simply put, inflammation is your body's natural response to injury or infection. While short-term inflammation is a crucial part of the healing process, chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on your overall health.

Enter probiotics. These helpful bacteria, found in fermented foods and supplements, have been shown to support gut health, modulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation.

But do probiotics help with inflammation in the body?

Many people struggle with chronic inflammation, a condition that not only impacts the gut but also spirals into more severe health issues such as autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders.

In this article, we will explore the science behind probiotics and their role in controlling inflammation, their impact on gut health, and how they can support overall wellness.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy balance of gut flora when consumed. They can be found in fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha, as well as in supplement form.

These beneficial bacteria are known to support digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and enhance overall gut health.

But their role goes beyond digestion. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics may also significantly modulate inflammation.

The link between gut health and inflammation

The stomach mostly controls the body's immunological response. An unbalanced gut can result in increased intestinal permeability, which is sometimes referred to as a "leaky gut." Conversely, a healthy gut barrier keeps dangerous chemicals out of the bloodstream.

Toxins and undigested food particles can enter the bloodstream through a weakened intestinal barrier, leading to persistent inflammation and an immunological reaction. By fortifying the barrier and lowering inflammation, probiotics can aid in restoring intestinal homeostasis.

Also read: Selecting the Best Probiotic for Heart Health.

Let’s first explore the relationship between probiotics and inflammation, specifically how these microorganisms interact with your body.

How probiotics help with anti-inflammation in the body

Probiotics are primarily known for improving gut health. They also play a crucial role in reducing inflammation throughout the body.

Here are some of the ways probiotics help manage inflammation:

1. Modulating the immune system

Probiotics directly influence the immune system by stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory molecules. They enhance the gut's barrier function, preventing harmful pathogens from triggering an immune response.

A balanced microbiome, supported by probiotics, helps the immune system differentiate between harmful and harmless invaders, thereby reducing chronic inflammation.

2. Reducing systemic inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a key factor in many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

Probiotics help reduce systemic inflammation by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signalling molecules that promote inflammation.

By restoring balance in the immune system, probiotics can lower overall inflammation levels in the body.

3. Supporting the gut-brain axis

The gut-brain axis closely connects the gut and brain. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can result in neuroinflammation, which is associated with depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, which can positively affect the brain by reducing inflammation linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

4. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production

Probiotics help ferment fibre in the gut to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate. SCFAs play a key role in regulating inflammation, especially in the gut.

Butyrate, for example, is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that helps strengthen the gut lining and reduces systemic inflammation, benefiting the whole body.

5. Neurotransmitter production

Probiotics support the production of important neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation.

A healthy microbiome helps maintain the balance of these neurotransmitters, reducing inflammation linked to mood disorders and neuroinflammation.

This connection between the gut and brain further underscores the importance of a balanced microbiome in maintaining emotional well-being.

6. Restoring gut microbiome balance

Probiotics help restore the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is crucial for controlling inflammation.

A healthy balance of gut bacteria supports the gut’s immune functions, preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that could otherwise trigger inflammatory responses.

This restoration of balance reduces inflammation in the digestive system, as well as in other parts of the body.

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7. Strengthening the gut barrier

The gut lining acts as a barrier, preventing harmful substances and pathogens from entering the bloodstream.

Probiotics help to strengthen this barrier by promoting the production of mucus and other protective compounds.

A stronger gut barrier means fewer toxins and pathogens can enter the bloodstream, thus reducing the risk of inflammation and systemic immune activation.

8. Producing anti-inflammatory compounds

Certain probiotic strains produce compounds that directly reduce inflammation. For example, some strains produce lactic acid and other organic acids that help lower the pH in the gut, creating an environment that discourages the growth of harmful bacteria while promoting the growth of beneficial ones.

This shift in the microbial environment helps reduce gut-related inflammation and prevent it from affecting other body systems.

As we can see, probiotics play a significant role in gut health, but how exactly do they affect specific inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn's disease or rheumatoid arthritis?

Benefits of probiotics for chronic inflammatory diseases

Chronic inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), can benefit from probiotic supplementation. Here's a look at some of the evidence supporting probiotics for these conditions:

1. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)

Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are characterized by chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.

Probiotics have been shown to reduce symptoms of IBD by restoring the balance of gut bacteria and modulating the immune response.

They can also improve gut barrier function, preventing further irritation and inflammation in the intestines.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that results in inflammation in the joints.

Research suggests that probiotics can help reduce RA symptoms by decreasing systemic inflammation and promoting gut health.

By modulating the immune system, probiotics can manage inflammation and reduce the severity of symptoms.

3. Skin conditions and inflammation

Probiotics can also benefit individuals with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. By reducing systemic inflammation and improving gut health, probiotics help manage the body’s inflammatory responses, potentially improving skin health.

Must read: Identifying the Best Time to Take Probiotics: Expert Guide

While probiotics have shown great promise in managing chronic inflammation, let's explore how to incorporate probiotics into your daily routine for optimal benefits.

How to incorporate probiotics into your daily routine

To take full advantage of the anti-inflammatory benefits of probiotics, it’s important to incorporate them into your diet consistently. Here are some ways to do so:

1. Fermented foods

Fermented foods are rich in natural probiotics. Some excellent options include yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso.

Including these foods in your everyday meals can provide a continuous supply of beneficial bacteria to support gut health.

2. Probiotic supplements

For those who may not enjoy fermented foods, probiotic supplements are a convenient alternative.

Supplements come in many forms, including capsules, powders, and liquids, and can be easily added to your daily routine. For maximum benefits, look for a high-quality supplement with multiple strains of probiotics.

3. Prebiotic-rich foods

Prebiotics are fibres that feed probiotics and help them thrive. Garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus are great sources of prebiotics, which can complement probiotic intake and enhance their effectiveness.

Now that you know how to incorporate probiotics into your routine, let’s discuss some precautions to take when using them.

Precautions when using probiotics for inflammation

While probiotics are generally safe for most people, it’s important to keep a few considerations in mind:

1. Start slow

If you're new to probiotics, start with small amounts and gradually increase your intake. This will allow your gut to adjust and minimise any potential digestive discomfort, such as gas or bloating.

2. Choose the right strains

Not all probiotics are created equal. Different strains have different effects on the body, so it’s essential to choose a supplement or food that targets your specific needs.

For inflammation, strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Consult with a healthcare professional

If you have a chronic condition or are taking medication, consult your doctor before adding probiotics to your routine.

Probiotics can interact with certain medications, and your healthcare provider can help you with the best approach for your needs.

Potential risks and considerations

While probiotics are generally safe, some people may experience side effects like bloating, gas, or mild digestive discomfort when first starting. It’s important to:

Start with a lower dose and gradually increase.
Choose strains suited to your health needs.
Consult a healthcare professional if you have a weakened immune system or chronic illness.

So, do probiotics help with inflammation in the body? The evidence strongly suggests they do.

Probiotics can be a powerful tool for managing chronic inflammation. They balance gut bacteria, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and produce anti-inflammatory compounds.

Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine, whether through fermented foods or quality supplements, can support gut health and overall well-being.

For high-quality probiotics, The Good Bug offers a range of products designed to improve gut health and help reduce inflammation. Start incorporating probiotics into your daily routine and experience the benefits of a balanced gut microbiome.

Ready to explore probiotic options? Check out The Good Bug for top-quality probiotic products and take control of your health today!